According to the report: "The region stands out on the continent as one with the least infrastructure network, particularly transport and energy, which impacts negatively on production capacities and regional trade as well as social conditions and welfare."

AfDB added that the lack of a sustainable infrastructure is impacting negatively on trade in the region, with around 80 per cent of people and goods in the region transported by land.

Private-public partnerships are expected to play a key role in improving infrastructure in the region, the bank noted.